Description

Computer

The Sony HB-F1 was available in all black or in black and red. It was aimed at the Japanese market. It was replaced at the end of 1987 with the Sony HB-F1II to better compete against the Panasonic FS-A1.

The computer comes with an external power adapter, it includes a pause button that allows users to pause the system at will and a speed slider which can be used to slow down the system.

Firmware

The firmware is launched automatically when you boot the machine. Bypassing this software on startup requires the user to press the DEL key during boot until a Beep sound.

From MSX-BASIC, you can go to the Personal Databank with CALL HITBIT or _HITBIT.

Trivia

When keeping the Y and P keys pressed during boot, you will get a scrolling list of the development team followed by a digitized voice saying "It's a Sony!". A video of it is available here. The Y and P keys seem to refer to "Yellow Panther", which is also encoded as a message at the beginning of the ROM. The message (written backwards in the ROM) reads "A Yellow Panther Production, 1986".

Pictures

Sony HB-F1 (back) with its box

Sony HB-F1 (black)

Sony HB-F1 (right side)

Sony HB-F1 (back) back

Sony HB-F1 underside (back)

Sony HB-F1 (black and red)

Sony HB-F1 (black)

Sony HB-F1 (black)

Sony HB-F1 (black and red)

FS-A1 & HB-F1 adapter

Firmware

Main menu

Address Book option

Schedule menu option

Notes option

F2 - Calculator

F3 - Clock

F4 - Calendar

Copy menu option

Development team

Specifications

The Sony HB-F1 is a MSX2 with 2 cartridge slots (one at the top, one at the back).

The AC-HB3 power adapter specifications are the same as the Panasonic FS-AA51 adapter for the Panasonic FS-A1 and FS-A1mkII.

Slot Map

Connections

• RF output
• RGB output
• Analog sound & Composite video
• Data Recorder connector
• Centronics compatible Parallel port for a printer
• 2 general connectors (joysticks, mouse, paddle controllers, ...)
• 2 cartridge slots